Chennai: She is just 15 years old but has already performed on hundreds of stages through various forms of arts.
Saligramam-based Bharatanatyam dancer R S Srinidhi, in the city who was recently bestowed with the Naatiya Tharagai award, interacted with Vadapalani Talk and shared her experiences and journey in arts in her life. It is not just dancing, but Srinidhi has a lot to say about her emotional connect with a number of art forms she is involved with.
Here are the excerpts:
Your association with dance?
Unlike other children, I am basically a professional dancer and have completed my arangetram. I have been learning Bharatanatyam from the age of three. I was initiated into dance by my first guru Venkatalakshmi. Later, I performed my salanga pooja in May 2012. Subsequently, on 2 July 2016, I performed my arangetram.
How do you differ from other classical dancers, to be a professional artiste?
At this age, I have already completed five grades in diploma in dance from Annamalai University. Along with that, I have also completed three grades in diploma in music from the same university. I see this as the major factor that shows me as different from others.
So, you sing as well?
Yeah, I am a professional singer too. I love singing and there are some proud moments for me as a singer. Once I rendered Bharatiyars Pancha Ratna Keerthanas at Sivagami Petachi auditorium, which I still remember as a proud moment.
Along with my cousin J B Nirupamai, I have been giving numerous dance and music performances and so we are fondly called the Saligramam Sisters in the world of arts. We participate in many Anusham, Sri Rama Navami and Sri Krishna Jayanthi celebrations organised by Asthika Samajam in the area.
About the stages and places you have performed in.
I am a spiritual person and so most of my performances are held in holy places. I have been giving dance performances all over Tamilnadu which include Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam – Chennai, Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Melmaruvathur Aadhi Parasakthi Temple, Chidambaram Natarajar Temple, Seerkazhi Temple, Rameswaram Ramanadhaswami Temple, Mylapore Kapaleeshwarar Temple and others. Of all, I was blessed to dance during the consecration of Chidambaram Temple and Samayapuram Mariamman Temple.
What are the other forms of art you are associated with?
I am into painting, oratory and poem writing. I have participated in various events across the State to showcase my talent. I was part of the famous ‘Tinsel Rangi’ an Indian musical, staged by Pop Shalini. At the time, I exhibited my versatile skills in singing, dancing and acting in a live musical show.